Jon Cryer says he almost played 'Ferris Bueller' instead of Matthew Broderick

Jon Cryer has revealed he was nearly cast as the lead in the 1986 classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a role that ultimately went to Matthew Broderick.

The surprising casting detail comes from an upcoming book, Ferris Bueller…You’re My Hero: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Day Off, which explores behind-the-scenes decisions from the beloved teen comedy. 

According to People, director John Hughes and studio executives had considered Cryer for the titular role while developing the film.

However, Cryer admitted he had no idea he was ever in the running for Ferris.

At the time, he believed he was only being considered for the role of Cameron Frye, Ferris’s best friend, which eventually went to Alan Ruck.

Reflecting on the situation years later, Cryer said learning about the missed opportunity was “news” to him. 

Moreover, he also shared that during the height of their careers in the 1980s, he and Broderick were often compared due to their similar on-screen personas.

The actor added that he felt a sense of envy at the time, as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off appeared to be a more energetic and comedic project compared to his own film commitments.

The book also revisits long-standing rumors that Anthony Michael Hall may have been originally envisioned for the role, though this was never officially confirmed.